Secret Snarry Swap: Best Laid Plans Title: Best Laid Plans Author:writcraft Gift Recipient:gin_tonic Rating: R Word count: ~5,500 words Content/Warning(s): (highlight for spoilers) *Established relationship, Holiday cheer and a smidgen of flangst.* Summary: It’s coming up to Christmas. Harry is free from work commitments and he and Severus have decided to spend their first Christmas Day together, without anybody else around. Harry is determined to make everything perfect, but as is often the case, things don’t quite go according to plan. A/N: Dear gift recipient, thank you for such lovely prompts! I was spoiled for choice, but in the end I went for the one which gave me the most scope for some Snarry humour. I hope you enjoy this piece and have a very happy holiday. Thanks to A for the beta read and the fest mods for their patience and for hosting this lovely fest.
Best Laid Plans
“What in the name of Salazaar is that?” Severus crossed his arms and scowled.
“Our tree.” Harry frowned and brushed the branches, which immediately shed a small handful of pine needles.
“It looks rather sorry for itself, does it not?” Severus poked his wand against one of the branches and the tree tilted alarmingly. “Not to mention lopsided. If I wished to have something molt all over my living room floor I would have purchased a kneazle.”
“I thought it might be nice for a change.” Harry’s brow furrowed and he Summoned a large cardboard box from the hallway. “I even got baubles.”
“Indeed?” Severus arched an eyebrow.
“And tinsel.” Harry dangled a particularly bright strand, hopefully.
“Out of the question.” Severus snorted and pocketed his wand, seemingly finished with prodding at the tree. “I am not a man who enjoys tinsel.”
“No, you’re a miserable bugger who won’t let me cheer the place up a bit.” Harry received a glare and decided to try a different tactic. “I’d be prepared to repay you for tolerating a bit of festive cheer.”
“You would?” Severus’ lips twitched and he pulled Harry close. “You know I am not a man who desires expensive clothes or extravagant gifts. How precisely would you propose to reward me for exercising considerable patience in the face of these frivolous plans of yours?”
“Considerable patience, my arse.” Harry grinned and kissed Severus. “I’d have thought you might have a few ideas of your own.”
“One or two.” Severus pulled back and swatted Harry on the backside. “Am I to assume this behaviour will last until Christmas?”
“More than likely,” Harry replied, cheerfully.
“Then I shall have to think very carefully about the nature of my reward.” Severus gave Harry a worrisome smirk and swept from the room, casting a parting shot over his shoulder. “Do try not to make a mess.”
Laughing, Harry began to decorate the room.
* * *
“It doesn’t look quite as I expected.” Harry tipped his head to the side as if the change of angle might help the appearance of his sorry-looking tree.
“What did you expect?” Severus sounded amused and Harry glared at him.
“Something less…”
“Dead?” Severus offered.
“Colourful,” Harry finished. “It’s not exactly like the trees other people have, is it?”
“It is, nevertheless, ours.” Severus wrapped his arms around Harry’s waist and brushed his lips to his ear. “I assume you have noticed how tolerant I have been thus far?”
“I noticed you kept your distance and didn’t lift a finger to help.” Harry leaned back into Severus’ arms and felt his grip tighten. “You haven’t exactly been around to grumble.”
“I’m here now. Admiring your handiwork.” Severus pressed his lips lower and nibbled at a particularly sensitive spot on Harry’s neck. “Attempting to remain positive.”
“Distracting me from things that need doing, more like.” Harry wriggled out of Severus’ arms with some reluctance and reached for his coat. “I’m going out.”
“Where are you off to now?” Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry.
“Now we have the tree, I need something to go underneath it.” Harry checked he had everything he needed and pulled open the door, shivering under the blast of cold air which followed. “Don’t go anywhere – somebody needs to be in when they deliver the turkey.”
“Potter, come back this instant!”
Harry winked at Severus and, with a pop, he Apparated to Hogsmeade and began his Christmas shopping.
* * *
“Severus?” Harry dropped his bags in the hallway and made his way to the living room, where he was met with an irate-looking Severus.
“Your bird arrived,” Severus snapped. “You insufferable little twit.”
“Is it in the kitchen?” Harry bounded into the kitchen and looked around with a frown, unable to see anything that resembled their Christmas lunch.
“No. I decided it would be better in the garden.” Severus stalked to the window and gestured outside.
With a sense of trepidation, Harry advanced to the window and peered outside. It was definitely a turkey alright. It flapped its wings and let out a clucking sound, before pecking at the grass.
“They said it was going to be plucked and ready to put in the oven.”
“Clearly it is not.” Severus snorted and gripped his wand. “I suppose you will expect me to perform Avada Kedavra?”
“You can’t use the Killing Curse on a turkey!” Harry stopped Severus before he could pull open the door to the garden. “Don’t be so bloody daft.”
“It seems to me as if that method would be as humane as any other.” Severus tapped his wand in the palm of his hand and eyed Harry, darkly. “Perhaps you would prefer me to wring its neck?”
Harry gulped, fairly certain the turkey wasn’t the only one who might be getting its neck wrung.
“We don’t have to do anything just yet. I’ll go to Finnigan’s Fowlery tomorrow and see if we can’t exchange it or something.” Harry placed his hand on Severus’ arm and attempted a placating smile. “I’ve finished the shopping. I think you’ll like your gifts. I spent ages finding just the right sort of things.”
“I hope you purchased a decent bottle of Firewhiskey.” Severus growled and muttered something under his breath. “Considering I have managed to resist hexing you into next Christmas, do you think I might be deserving of this repayment you so glibly promised when you dangled tinsel in front of my nose?”
“It only seems fair.” Harry attempted to sound put upon, but he couldn’t quite manage it. His shopping trip had put him in good cheer, and even the sight of the turkey flapping its clipped wings and wandering around their small garden hadn’t dampened his mood. “What did you have in mind?”
“I should have thought that was obvious.” Severus stepped closer to Harry and dropped his hand to his backside, giving it a rough squeeze.
“Perhaps I need a few more clues?” Harry’s breath caught in his throat and he pressed forward against Severus, biting back a moan.
“I’m currently in the middle of brewing a very complex potion.” The way Severus purred the word ‘potion’ into Harry’s ears made it sound like something illicit.
“A potion?” Severus squeezed his arse cheek again and drew another moan from Harry.
“Yes.” Severus smirked, gesturing to his laboratory. “I require an able-bodied assistant. Remember, Potter – chop, don’t dice.”
“You’re joking?” Harry’s arousal dampened and he attempted to give Severus his very best scowl. “You’d better be joking.”
“You said you would do anything, I believe.” Severus ushered Harry forwards. “It hardly seems fair if your repayment is just as pleasurable for you as for me. Besides, I should hope I don’t need to resort to bribery to obtain sexual favours. It was my belief you were quite happy bestowing those all year round. Am I mistaken?”
“No.” Harry’s shoulders sank and he made his way into the gloomy laboratory, picking up one of the knives and a handful of ingredients which required preparation. “You’re not mistaken.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” With another smug look, Severus settled himself down at his desk and began to work.
* * *
“I’m knackered.” Harry flexed his hand and shifted from one foot to the other. “I’ve been on my feet all day. Are we finished?”
Severus looked up from his book and flicked his gaze over the ingredients which Harry had been preparing for several hours.
“I would say there is enough here to allow me to brew for the next six months.” Severus tutted and fixed his gaze on Harry. “You could have stopped two hours ago had you thought to notify me of your progress.”
“You’re a git.” Harry groaned and dropped down his knife, pulling off his gloves. “If you’re not careful, I’ll put tinsel down here tomorrow.”
“You will do no such thing.” Severus followed Harry as he made his way upstairs. “Would you care for a nightcap?”
“Yes, I bloody would.” Harry’s stomach growled and he smiled at Severus, hopefully. “Perhaps a sandwich?”
“Very well.” Severus waved his hand. “Go to the living room and sit. I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
“There’s nothing exciting about potions.” Harry wrinkled his nose and made his way to the living room with a yawn. Even though it stood at a precarious angle and looked as if it had been decorated by an enthusiastic child, the tree had magical lights on the tree that made the living room warm and cosy, and Harry felt another rush of excitement as he thought about the holidays. He settled onto the sofa and yawned again.
He heard Severus clattering about in the kitchen and closed his eyes, his mind full of the sounds of forks scraping against plates and the excited hum of chatter around a busy Christmas table. With a smile, Harry hummed a bit of the song they had been playing early that day in Hogsmeade and shuffled further down onto the sofa.
As he drifted off into a contented sleep, he was sure he felt the sofa dip beside him. A warm blanket covered his body, and the last thing Harry felt before he dropped off was long, slim fingers, carefully rubbing his sore feet.
* * *
After a heated exchange with Seamus, who assured Harry that he would deal with whoever had been responsible for the almighty cock-up with the turkey, Harry was just about ready to give up on Christmas altogether. Although this wasn’t the first Christmas he and Severus had spent together, this was the first time Harry had told Kingsley in no uncertain terms that he would be taking a three-week break over the holiday period and he didn’t expect to be disturbed. It was also the first year Harry had suggested to Severus they spend Christmas Day together – in their home – as the Weasley dinner table no longer had enough room to seat everybody in comfort.
Although he knew he would miss the chatter at the Burrow, Harry had watched Severus in previous years, scowling at the loud shrieks of excitement from the various Weasley offspring and taking himself outside after dinner to sip on his Firewhiskey in peace. This year, Harry was determined he would give Severus a different sort of Christmas and one which Severus might actually enjoy. He had planned every detail and had pictures in his mind of a beautifully decorated tree and the low rumble of laughter as they toasted one another, misty-eyed over the dinner table.
Even though there hadn’t been snow where they lived for several years, Harry imagined himself and Severus bundled up warm in thick scarves, long coats and brand new leather gloves. He had started to dream about walking in the snow with Severus before the last warm rays of the summer sun had disappeared entirely. When the shops had begun to fill with greens and reds, and the Christmas carollers flanked one another and sung into the cool winter air, Harry had felt the first rush of excitement which had made him nearly giddy with happiness.
He had carefully completed all of his administrative tasks at work to be absolutely sure there would be nothing which could disturb his break, and he had marked his calendar with large red crosses to count down the days before he would finish for the holidays. When the time had eventually come, he had popped to the Leaky on his way home and had collected a fine bottle of brandy to toast the beginning of the holidays. Severus had indulged him and together they had sat by the warm fire and held one another, sharing liquor-soaked kisses and hums and sighs of contentment.
Harry knew that Severus didn’t exactly enjoy Christmas. They had talked of it once – outside in the cold, huddled together on a stone step outside the Burrow. With curt replies to Harry’s persistent questions, Severus had explained how Christmas had never been a holiday when he was a child. He had explained that the relationship between his parents had not been a happy one, and told Harry how his mother used to work Christmas Day in an effort to bring extra income into their home at the most expensive time of the year.
Harry had swallowed back a wave of emotion and had slowly shared his own stories, when pushed, of sitting at the foot of the huge Christmas tree in the Dursleys’ living room long after they had gone to bed. The foot of the tree would be filled with gifts for a family – a family which Harry was never welcome to join. Not one of the name-tags would bear his name, and although it hurt him far more as a young child than it did as he had grown older, Harry had learned to appreciate every gift he was given after that time – no matter how small those gifts might have seemed to some.
Harry was determined that he would make this Christmas the very best it could be for both of them.
“This is the one you should’ve had, mate.” Seamus startled Harry from his thoughts and he looked up to see him battling with a hefty turkey. “I hope you’ll have room to cook it.”
“I’m sure it’s going to be fine.” Harry eyed the turkey doubtfully and took it from Seamus, nearly buckling under the weight of it. “How much do I owe you?”
“We’re all set. Sorry for the balls-up. Enjoy the bird.”
“Will do – Merry Christmas.” Harry waved as well as he could manage and stumbled through the door of the shop. He drew a sharp huff of breath as the cold air hit him squarely in the face and focusing on home, he Apparated to the kitchen, where Severus was already waiting.
“You’re aware it is barely eight in the morning?” Severus helped Harry put the turkey down on the counter and arched his eyebrow. “I woke up this morning to find you – and the turkey – missing. I would have happily come with you to give Finnigan a piece of my mind.”
“Which is exactly why I didn’t tell you where I was going.” Harry laughed and pulled off his coat and scarf. “Anyway, I thought you’d be pleased. At least the turkey’s gone.”
“One of them has, in any event.” Severus furrowed his brow as he took in Harry’s latest purchase, the moment’s pause giving Harry an opportunity to look properly at the huge plucked bird.
“Looks a bit big, doesn’t it?”
“A little.” Severus contemplated Harry. “How many are we planning to feed, precisely?”
“Well there’s just you and me for Christmas Day. Then Ron, Hermione and the kids on Boxing Day.” Harry poked at the turkey and turned it in place. It did look enormous. “We won’t go hungry.”
“No.” Severus brushed Harry’s hair from his forehead. “You are aware, of course, that I do not particularly enjoy turkey?”
“No.” Harry folded his arms and bestowed Severus with his best glare. “You could have bloody mentioned – who doesn’t like Christmas lunch?”
“I imagine the same people that are not particularly fond of Christmas.” Severus snorted. He seemed to take pity on Harry and kissed his forehead. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
“Are you?” Harry looked doubtfully at the turkey and then across at the stove. “Will it even fit in the oven, do you think?”
“Why don’t you try?” Severus’ lips twitched and Harry had the distinct impression he was being laughed at.
With a huff, Harry hauled the turkey back into his arms and struggled to open the oven door. After finally wrenching the door open, he began to push the turkey into the oven. It was a good half an hour later, after instructions from Severus which were of no use whatsoever, that Harry finally conceded defeat.
“Well that’s that. I’m going to have to cut it in half or chop the legs off or something.” Harry flicked his wand to cast a freezing charm over the turkey and moved it out of harm’s way. “Have you done your Christmas shopping, yet?”
“There’s plenty of time.” Severus reached for Harry and pulled him close against his chest. “Besides, I only have one present to get.”
“Where do you think you might get that from?’ Harry feigned innocence and Severus responded with a deep, rich laugh.
“I thought I might buy the latest edition of Pertwee on Potions for my eager recipient. Would that suit?”
“Don’t you dare.” Harry grinned and kissed Severus. “I can find out anything I need to know about potions from you, thanks. No need for any books.”
“Speaking of potions…” Severus pulled back after giving Harry another firm kiss. “I have spent quite enough of my morning watching you struggle to fit a turkey large enough to feed the Weasley family into our stove and some of us do not have the luxury of being on holiday. I must return to my work for an hour or two.”
“Really?” Harry’s good mood wavered and he mustered a smile. As much as he had enjoyed his first few days off work planning for Christmas, he found he missed having Severus by his side to grumble about things and pull him into heated kisses when his nose turned icy cold. “I suppose I’ll go and do some more shopping, then.”
“More?” Severus looked horrified at the thought. “You have only just returned.”
“I’ve still got loads to do. Besides, I won’t have many more chances to get everything I need.” Harry felt he couldn’t very well admit he just wanted to drink coffee which tasted like gingerbread and take in the festive sights in Hogsmeade one more time. “I won’t be late.”
“If you are quite sure.” Severus’ eyes bored into Harry’s.
“Absolutely – you know me.” Harry pulled on the coat and scarf he had only recently discarded and spoke with false cheer.
“Yes,” Severus agreed. “I know you very well indeed.”
“Well, then.” Harry tightened his scarf and gave Severus’ hand a squeeze. “I’ll see you later.”
“Indeed you will.”
Taking one last look at the turkey left out on the kitchen counter, he pulled on his coat and trudged to the Floo. Harry noticed that Severus continued to watch him until he threw down the powder and their small home disappeared from sight.
* * *
Harry took his time browsing around the shops and drank in the picture-perfect scenes. Hogsmeade had always reminded Harry of Christmas with its snow-covered buildings and bustling shopkeepers selling new and ever more exciting magical items as Christmas gifts. It was why he chose to shop here instead of Diagon Alley, although it was rare that he had the time to enjoy mooching around. On previous years his trips had been harassed and rushed after a couple of nights away on stakeout, and he had been unable to take any time to just sit and watch the world go by.
Harry knew that when Severus got lost in his work, he wouldn’t surface for several hours. The sight of Pertwee on Potions discounted heavily in the window of Potage’s Cauldron Shop made Harry grin. He wished he could turn to Severus and laugh with him and perhaps steal a kiss or three while they made their way down the cobbled streets.
Harry lingered at the window to Scrivenshaft’s and admired some of the opulent quills on display. As he studied them, one in particular caught his eye. It was plain and elegant, and it looked so perfect for Severus, Harry couldn’t resist. He opened the door to the shop and purchased the expensive item. The shopkeeper placed the quill in an ornate wooden box and it settled onto the plush velvet lining with a twitch of appreciation. Harry paid for his goods and left the shop, clutching onto the bag tightly.
Eventually, he found a spot out of the way of the crowds and he took out his purchase to look at it closely. He knew Severus didn’t want expensive gifts. Harry often wondered if Severus might think of Harry as showing off if he showered Severus with pricey items. For that reason, he always kept a budget in his own mind, conscious of Severus’ pride when it came to their respective personal finances. In buying the quill on impulse, Harry had blown his budget some five times over.
With a sigh, Harry opened the mahogany casing and he withdrew the quill, which shivered in the chill air. He placed the wooden box down on the bench beside him and slipped the quill into the simple paper bag which had come with the box and the quill. He folded the bag and placed it carefully into his robes. With a heavy heart, he left the box behind on the bench and hoped that somebody might find a use for it.
After continuing to look in the windows of multiple shops, Harry purchased some ice mice from Honeydukes, and savoured the sugary sweetness as he made his way to Madam Puddifoot’s. He ordered his usual gingerbread coffee and the spicy scent filled his nostrils and warmed him to the tips of his toes. He found Madam Puddifoot’s instantly cheering, despite his peculiar memories of the place. He savoured every last mouthful of his coffee and ordered a second, with an enormous slice of Christmas cake. The rich fruit tasted delicious, and he couldn’t help but laugh at the magical singing reindeer which the waitress delivered with his cake.
“It’s Christmas, and you’ve been a good customer.” The waitress winked at him and then leaned forward conspiratorially. “Not to mention you look a lot like Harry Potter, but I bet a lot of folks tell you that.”
“I’ve heard it once or twice.” Harry grinned at the waitress and accepted the festive treat happily. “Apparently I’m better looking, though.”
“Of course.” The waitress laughed and carried on with her business, shaking her head. Harry tucked into the remainder of his cake and watched through the window as the snow began to fall.
* * *
“More presents?” Severus watched as Harry organised the last couple of gifts under their lopsided tree.
“They’re only little things.” Harry’s cheeks heated as he placed the quill he had purchased earlier in the week towards the back of the modest pile. “Besides, you can never have too many presents. Unless you’re Dudley.” Harry sat back to admire his handiwork, and felt Severus brush against his back.
“You might as well add your own gift to the pile.” Severus flicked his wand and handed Harry a parcel wrapped in Slytherin green paper.
“My gift?” Harry had been so busy arranging gifts for everybody else, he had almost forgotten he would be getting one of his own. He shuffled in place with excitement which quickly became trepidation as he stroked his fingers over the rectangular package. It felt suspiciously like a book.
“Is something the matter, Potter?” Severus tugged Harry up to his feet and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Don’t you like the paper I used? I expect you would have preferred burgundy.”
“Don’t be daft.” Harry gave his present another wary glance and then turned to face Severus. “It’s not really a potions book, is it?”
“Now that would be telling.” Severus smirked. “It’s not as though you have long to wait.”
“I really don’t.” A rush of excitement caused Harry to shiver and he pressed close to Severus. “Just a few more hours.”
“Yes.” When Severus kissed Harry’s nose, his expression was fond. “Just a few more hours.”
* * *
The next day, Harry woke with a yawn and stretched out on the bed. He reached for Severus just as he always did, but the other side of the bed was cold and empty. With a frown, Harry blinked until his eyes adjusted to the cool, bright light of Christmas Day. He sniffed in the air when the smells of something delicious wound their way towards him. The scent of the turkey roasting mingled with the spicy, delicious scent of gingerbread and coffee.
Harry jumped out of bed and showered in a rush, casting a quick drying charm over his body when he finished. He was about to tug on a familiar pair of jeans when he saw a note and some neatly folded clothing on the chair in the bedroom.
For Harry.
With a grin, Harry placed the note carefully by his bedside and examined the items which Severus had left out for him. He laughed when he held up the comfortable red pyjama trousers and red top with a thick white stripe down the centre and white bands around the cuffs. He pulled on the clothes and looked at himself in the mirror, feeling rather ridiculous. Despite feeling like a bit of an idiot, the items were soft and fluffy and made Harry feel toasty and warm.
He made his way downstairs and frowned when he saw Severus sitting calmly at the breakfast table in his usual white shirt and black wool trousers.
“I see, so it’s just me that looks like a prat today, is it?”
“You are the one who is full of the joys of Christmas, are you not?” Severus looked up with a smirk and stood to tug Harry close. “Besides, I rather liked the fact this outfit gives me remarkably easy access.” With a smile against Harry’s lips, Severus proved his point by sliding his hands under the waistband of the trousers and gripping Harry’s bare backside, pulling him close.
“Cheeky.” Harry smiled back against Severus’ lips and kissed him until they were both breathless. “Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, it will be.” With another squeeze and a wicked smile, Severus slipped his hands from Harry’s trousers and gestured to the table. “Sit. I made coffee.”
“I can tell.” Harry sniffed the air again and settled down to enjoy his breakfast. “How did you know I like this stuff?”
“I have my ways and means.” Severus waved his hand dismissively. “I hope you don’t mind but I also took the liberty of shrinking that turkey of ours somewhat. I believe we would have been here until next Christmas waiting for it to cook, had I not taken some kind of action.”
“You’re probably right.” Harry laughed and took a sip of his drink, which tasted exactly like his favourite milky gingerbread coffee from Madam Puddifoot’s. He nibbled on some of the hot granary toast Severus had placed on the table and washed it down with another sip of his drink. “Let me help you with the rest of the cooking, though.”
“I can assure you I will insist upon it.” Severus sat opposite Harry and watched him drink his coffee. “I thought we could open our presents when you finish your breakfast.”
“Brilliant.” Harry smiled broadly and was met with a soft snort at his obvious eagerness. He ate the remainder of his toast quickly and stood when he had finished. “Shall we?”
“You are irrepressibly enthusiastic, Potter.” With a sigh, as if the idea of receiving gifts offended him, Severus stood and took Harry’s hand. “You have put rather more effort into your gift giving than I, so I suggest you lead the way.”
Harry tugged a reluctant Severus into their living room and stopped still when he entered. The once lopsided tree now stood upright, and although the higgledy-piggledy decorations remained just as they had been, the cosy light from the fire and the warm lighting on the tree made the whole room look cheerful and Christmassy. A small pile of presents had been added overnight, wrapped in magical burgundy paper, containing pictures of little lion cubs on the wrapping which bounded and roared and tackled one another in different snowy scenes.
“Severus?”
“I had nothing to do with it.” Severus gave Harry a look which indicated he shouldn’t push the point.
“Of course you didn’t.” Harry laughed delightedly and squeezed Severus’ hand. He was about to make his way to the gifts under the tree when he saw a familiar object on the coffee table which made him stop in his tracks.
The quill he had purchased for Severus had been opened, and next to it was the ornate box he had discarded during his last visit to Hogsmeade. Harry gulped and looked at Severus who arched an eyebrow at him.
“You are the most idiotic twit I have ever had the misfortune to encounter.” Severus snorted softly and cupped Harry’s cheek in his hand, looking at him searchingly. “Did you imagine I would not appreciate your indulgence for one day of the year?”
“I wasn’t sure you’d thank me for it.” Harry shrugged and looked down at the box. “I’m sorry.”
“I do not wish for you to apologise.” Severus kissed Harry’s forehead and swatted his backside. “Foolish boy. I shall enjoy using my gift very much indeed.”
“You will?” Harry relaxed and his mood lifted again. “I’m glad – it reminded me of you. I wanted to get you something you could use when you’re busy working.”
“And you chose very well.” Severus rolled his eyes and nudged Harry to his presents. “I trust you will not allow that knowledge to go to your head. Do you intend to open your gifts?”
“Yes.” Harry kissed Severus slowly before dropping down to tear into his first present, the thought that Severus had been with him in Hogsmeade after all making him feel unspeakably warm. “I do.”
* * *
Much later that day, Harry curled up next to Severus on the sofa with a contented sigh.
“It’s been brilliant.”
“The turkey was dry.”
“Yet you still managed to clear your plate.” Harry grinned at Severus and brushed his thumb over his cheek. “Despite the constant complaining.”
“Thankfully I was too pissed to care at that point.” Severus shifted Harry onto his back and settled over him.
“Pissed my arse.” Harry rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around Severus’ neck. “In any event, you seem to have recovered.”
“I am not sure I shall ever recover from suffering through this much festive cheer.” Severus nipped at Harry’s earlobe and brushed his lips against his neck. “Not to mention I have to tolerate the more annoying Weasley family members tomorrow.”
“I’d offer some form of repayment, but you’d only have me buggering around with your potions.”
“Perhaps not this time.” Severus’ lips curled upwards against Harry’s neck and he nipped at Harry’s skin again. “You are aware you have given me another reason to dislike Christmas?”
“How on earth have I done that?” Harry pushed Severus back so he could look at him properly.
“Relax, Harry.” Severus kissed Harry and slipped his hand over his side. “I am teasing. I simply meant that with all of the time you have spent preparing for today, it feels as though it has been a long time since I have had you in this kind of position.”
“Oh.” Harry thought back, and grinned as he remembered the last time he had received a very quick and forceful fucking. “The December drinks at Malfoy Manor. Merlin, they were dull.”
“Not every aspect of the evening was dull, I trust.” Severus huffed and glared down his nose at Harry.
“Every aspect apart from that.” Harry winked at Severus and pressed up against him. “It’s been too bloody long, though. That’s not like us. Is this why you dressed me up as Santa? Do you have a thing for it?”
“No I do not, you insufferable brat.” Severus snorted and returned to nip at Harry’s neck again, more sharply this time. “I do, however, have a liking for former war heroes stretched out on my bed wearing little more than a Christmas party hat.”
“Oh.” Harry laughed and shifted under Severus. “Bed, then?”